Best of Boise: Part Two

Readers' Picks

Adam Rosenlund

Best ... of ... Boise. That's a pretty heavy thing to contemplate,
seeing as how it means being responsible for naming the very best our
little river-straddling city and the surrounding area has to offer.
Yet, once again, Boise Weekly readers stepped up to the
challenge, casting their votes in record numbers.

When the dust--or more aptly, the megabytes--finally settled, after
more than a month of online voting, 1,501 ballots were cast, compiling
a total of 42,855 individual votes for everything from the best place
to grab a burger or some Thai food, to the best place to ski or pick up
some gotta-have-em new shoes.

Just like last year, we're honoring only locally owned and operated
businesses that meet our local-business criteria because, let's face
it, this is about honoring the best of Boise, not the best of (insert
random U.S. city here).

We're happy to say that most voters rose to the challenge, although
it's apparent some further education on what constitutes local is
needed. For future reference, giant national/international chains are
not considered local.

You may have noticed that there's something a bit different about
Best of Boise this year, something like this is the second week a
BW issue bearing the BOB logo has hit the streets. No, it's not
a mistake. This year, we decided that Best of Boise was just so great,
it couldn't be contained to only one issue, so we split it into two.
Last week, the Editors' Picks had the spotlight, allowing those of us
who spend all year writing about our little town to give some special
mention to the people, events, business and places we think deserve a
little extra attention.

This week, though, we unveil the winners chosen by those of you who
logged on to share your opinions. This issue is the almighty Readers'
Choice Best of Boise issue. And, boy, do you people have some
opinions.

We saw the payoffs from all-out voting campaigns, which were akin to
the most hotly contested political races. We also saw the creativity of
our readers, since it seemed hard for any category to go without at
least a few joke answers. And for the record, neither the best meat,
nor the best late night party is located in your pants, and your
friends might not appreciate you nominating their yards as the best
location for a nude beach.

We also, unfortunately, saw some people using the Best of Boise
ballot to vent their distaste for a business, individual, industry or
even the city. Seriously, folks, this is called the Best of Boise,
emphasis on the "Best," so remember the old saying: If you can't say
something nice, don't bother voting--or something like that.